Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2005
90 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will list the sections of the Children Act 2001 for which her Department has responsibility, which are already in operation; if she will list those sections that have yet to be brought into operation; if any timetable has been set for the implementation of the remaining sections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19676/05]
View answerPart 10 of the Children Act 2001 relates to the governance and operation of children detention schools. Section 159(1) of the Act has been commenced for the purpose of allowing three representatives of children detention schools to be appointed to the Special Residential Services Board. However, Part 10 of the Act cannot be commenced more fully at this time as its effect will include replacing the existing industrial and reformatory schools with children detention schools. While boys aged between 17 and 21 who are convicted of a criminal offence may be sent to a place of detention, there is no equivalent place at present for female offenders who may be imprisoned from the age of 17 years.
It is intended that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will provide a facility for young women similar to that provided for boys. The timing of the commencement of Part 10 of the Act is contingent upon such a facility becoming available. Pending commencement, industrial and reformatory schools continue to be governed by the Children Acts.
